Waratahs need to kick up a storm in South Africa

So much is said for doing the simple things well, and I am a big fan of that, but when the simple things become somewhat predictable, don’t you have to come up with something else and throw in a change up of sorts?

The reason I mention this is because, even though the Waratahs went on to win well against the Rebels, the opening stanza saw at times aimless, frustrating rugby. There was intent, but it was misguided.

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The tour to South Africa presents a great opportunity against two teams that will certainly test the attacking prowess of the Waratahs.

The Sharks will be followed by the Stormers, two teams that traditionally have prided themselves on being very physical and very aggressive. I rate their presence on the field as being at the top of the pecking order.

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I remember vividly the Tahs getting manhandled when Phil Waugh was captain a couple of years ago and I suspect nothing has changed in their playbooks.

The republic can sometimes be a destination that is a graveyard. But the Tahs go there with confidence and momentum.

In a time when possession is everything, I still believe you need the threat of kicking the ball to be able to run the ball. That's my thought of the day.

What unfolded last weekend, and to a small extent on Friday, was a limitation - or flaw perhaps - in the attacking process of the Tahs.

Don't get me wrong, it’s courageous the way the team is chancing its arm from inside their own 22, but I feel that what presents itself this week will be a completely different beast.

History shows us that, against South African teams, playing quick does get results. We always used to say: ''Let's run the big teams around. Make them tired, make them work hard by chasing the ball.''

New Zealand has had plenty of success in its ability to move the ball. Shift the point of attack. If that means by ball in hand, then great, but they aren't afraid of the kick either.

The single focus in attack of the Waratahs in the next two games may well prove difficult because of the physicality of the opponents and the coach's strong stance of holding onto the ball.

One of the comments made by the Michael Cheika before the Brumbies match was: “No one likes to kick the ball away needlessly anymore.”

I thought, spot on, I am with you there. Set yourself for a kick, work it into the plan, not just something that's a last resort. I haven't sighted that yet and just hope it's in the playbook somewhere.

I hope the game plan doesn’t backfire for the Tahs because, bet your last dollar that Jake White and Allister Coetzee would have seen what the Brumbies did and how shutting them down before the advantage line stemmed their progress.

The South African teams already adopt an aggressive nature in defence and at the breakdown. The Tahs were belted in attack by resilient, perhaps you could say swarming, defence.

I wonder if the mandate of run from everywhere is fast becoming one dimensional, an easy game plan for oppositions to nullify one of their strengths. It's something that can be overcome only by moments of individual brilliance.

My concern for the next two weeks is that, if the Waratahs don't incorporate something else into their attacking style, it may become a game of skittles. The most successful teams in the competition have always had a kicking strategy. I am sure that's why they got Andrew Mehrtens involved.

At times on Friday night it was like watching a game of touch footy or playing hot potato. With that came mistakes that will have to be amended if the team wants to play this fast tempo style of game.

As I mentioned before, the game the Tahs are trying to undertake takes real guts and commitment, something that seems to have been instilled in the team over the pre-season.

As I re-read my own article I may be perceived as a doomsdayer, but the point I am trying to get across is: to win you have to be well rounded and skilful in all areas of the game.